Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama, says the delay in paying compensation to farmers in Letlhakane whose livestock was killed by predators was caused by exhaustion of compensation funds at the Department of Wildlife and National Parks including the office in Letlhakane during the course of 201415 financial year.

He, however, noted that additional funds were secured by December 2014 where some of the backlog was addressed.Mr Khama, who was responding to a Parliamentary question further said the farmers whose compensation claims were pending, would be paid in April 2015 when funds are made available at the beginning of 201516financial year.

“However, I would like to reiterate that our budget for this purpose is limited and therefore unable to cater for all submitted claims.

This notwithstanding, we implore our constituents to practice proper husbandry including building proper predator proof kraals which have been piloted through the Human Wildlife Co-existence project in Boteti, Ngamiland and Chobe districts” said the Minister.

Boteti East MP, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe had asked the minister if he was aware that there was a backlog of compensation of farmers in Letlhakane whose livestock was killed by predators.

He also wanted the minister to state when these farmers would be paid.